Odisha CM Launches 1542 New Multipurpose PACS

Bhubaneswar:  Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched 1542 new Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (MPACS) in the state, bringing the total number of PACS to 4253. The launch took place at an event at Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Center on Thursday.

While the state previously had 2711 PACS, the addition of 1542 new MPACS marks a significant expansion of the cooperative network. CM Majhi highlighted the government’s priority to align with the Cooperative Department of the Central Government to make the cooperative movement more people-oriented.

A total of 54 new programs have been introduced under this initiative, including the establishment of model by-laws, computerization of PACS, and the creation of agricultural service centers, consumer stores, and grain storage centers.

The CM announced that in the first phase, 77 PACS will be developed as Model PACS, functioning as One-Stop Shops for various agriculture-related services. These model societies are expected to enhance the functionality and outreach of the cooperative movement.

In a related announcement, CM Majhi revealed that the state government will refund the deposits of all customers from the Bhubaneswar Urban Cooperative Bank, which has been closed since 2015. This step is aimed at restoring public trust in cooperative banking institutions.

The launch of these new initiatives reflects the state government’s commitment to strengthening cooperative societies and promoting inclusive development in the agricultural sector.